Tilapia prices stabilized, while US orders stagnated

In Week 32 of 2025 (August 4-10), after over a month of continuous decline, prices for tilapia in China finally showed signs of stabilizing at the end of the harvest season. Although prices in some major producing areas have rebounded slightly, demand in the US market remains sluggish, and exporters generally report continued difficulties in securing orders.

Data shows that the ex-factory price of 500-800g tilapia in Guangdong rose slightly by 0.1 yuan per kilogram this week, the first increase since Week 22. Prices in Hainan and Guangxi regions saw even more significant increases, reaching 0.2 yuan per kilogram. Industry insiders generally believe that the proactive increase in purchasing prices by large processing plants has, to a certain extent, set a short-term "price floor" for the market.

However, even a slight price rebound would still not be enough to cover the costs of most fish farmers. A Hainan company executive noted, "The fish harvest season is essentially over, and the supply of fish is gradually decreasing, but prices haven't really recovered." He added that while tighter supply may support price stability in the short term, the continued sluggishness of the US market limits the overall potential for recovery.

In the US, as of week 31, wholesale prices for frozen tilapia fillets in China fell by $0.05 per pound, continuing the downward trend of previous weeks.

Despite lower quotes, US buyers, constrained by high inventories and a weak retail market, remain on the sidelines, with no signs of large-scale restocking.

A processing plant manager in Guangdong stated that fish farmers are generally reluctant to sell fish at a loss, further tightening the supply of raw materials. He noted, "Although we've actively contacted US customers, without trade certainty and price advantages, customers are very reluctant to place orders."

Currently, Chinese processors are working hard to boost sales. However, due to high levels of US cold chain inventory and slow demand release, some strategies have limited effectiveness. Industry insiders revealed that many companies are attempting to divert some products to alternative markets such as the Middle East and Africa, but the volume and profits are difficult to match with US orders.

Reference : FOODSPATH